From Ashes to Hope

Families facing homelessness often call Family Promise a beacon of hope. For many in Southern California, it has proven that compassion and resilience can light the way, even in the darkest times.  

Amid the chaos of raging wildfires earlier this winter, thousands of families were forced to evacuate, and replacement housing was nearly impossible to find. As fires rapidly escalated, evacuation orders were triggered across the region, leaving many with nowhere to turn.  

At Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley in Newhall, staff drove 17 miles to help four families sheltered at their interim housing facility pack up and leave. 

“When you have to evacuate in an emergency, you don’t have time to plan,” says Program Director Monica Holmes. “Families who’ve already lost everything often want to hold onto even the smallest possessions. One person saved just a shirt, saying, ‘This was my uncle’s, I have to save it.’” 

The evacuation underscored the emotional toll of homelessness on families. After sheltering at Family Promise’s resource center for three days, the families were able to return to the interim housing facility. However, the threat of ongoing fires and the potential for another major loss stirred feelings of uncertainty for those who had already lost their homes. 

Family Promise continues to be at the forefront of community response in the areas it serves. One family who lost everything had secured a rental home but had no possessions. Partnering with another Family Promise site and a local retailer, Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley secured nearly $13,000 in donations to furnish the home.  

“It was a beautiful way to see Family Promise bring the community together,” says Holmes. 

Family Promise has also been essential in providing shelter for families affected by the fires. In San Gabriel Valley, local agencies and the Red Cross have turned to Family Promise for support as they struggle to meet demand. Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley is providing temporary housing for ten families and working with local motels to house more, even as many of its own team are recovering from loss due to the fires.  

“So many families are in trouble, and we want to help as many as we can,” says Executive Director Lanita Tademy. 

Family Promise has also distributed vital items like diapers and toiletries. For families whose homes were spared, Family Promise is assisting with lost wages due to missed work, helping families navigate insurance claims, and supporting their return to normalcy. Thanks to Family Promise, two families who evacuated during the wildfires have successfully transitioned into long-term housing, with one recently signing a lease for their new home. 

Family Promise’s efforts in the aftermath of the fires highlight the ongoing commitment to provide a safety net for families in crisis, ensuring they have the resources and support to rebuild their lives. 

“We don’t want to leave any family behind,” notes Tademy. “We’re all trying to rebuild, and Family Promise is here to help.”